Why I’m Thankful for 'The Good Doctor' as a Person on the Autism Spectrum

I can only hope that the impact this show has had will continue the conversation of featuring autism in more TV and film projects.

“The Good Doctor” has hit the entertainment industry by storm. Reaching countless millions week after week and hitting many of us in the feels on more than one occasion, it looks like “The Good Doctor” truly has staying power. Any time I go to speak now it seems like a question about either “The Good Doctor” or “Atypical” is right around the corner. At the very beginning of the show I wrote reviews about the impact these shows could have, and now seeing the popularity they have been able to build has been incredible.

I have a connection with “The Good Doctor” from growing up on the autism spectrum, because some of my friends both in high school and college were inspiring doctors and surgeons. They would talk in great length about one day being in the field. I was fascinated by anatomy and the technicality of the human body. I would often sit in on study sessions to learn more about their field. It’s always something I felt a connection with. There is so much structure when it comes to anatomy.

I think that may be a big reason why I enjoy this show. The way Dr. Shaun Murphy thinks about the human body in pictures makes me often think about how Dr. Temple Grandin, one of the leading autism advocates in the world also thinks in pictures. I was a fan of “House” as well, because it featured a doctor who at times was socially awkward.

Each week when a new episode comes on the air I’ve enjoyed going to Twitter to Live tweet my views as an autism advocate and have conversations with others in our community about “The Good Doctor’s” impact. Conversations in previous weeks have included topics such as employment, relationships, guardianship and much more.

The more episodes I watch, the more Dr. Shaun Murphy reminds me so much of myself. We have similiar stories growing up on the spectrum. #TheGoodDoctor @Shorez @Bruinboy310

— ASpecialCommunity (@Kerrymagro) November 21, 2017

I think most importantly, “The Good Doctor” has started a larger conversation about autism within our communities.

I’m thankful for what “The Good Doctor” has done, and I hope one day I’ll have the opportunity to be involved with this show, as a consultant or in another capacity. I grew up with a key interest in theater and the entertainment industry and have been able to consult on several autism-related projects. This would be something truly special to me.

Kerry Magro is an award-winning professional speaker, best-selling author and autism entertainment film consultant who’s on the autism spectrum. His original blog appeared here.

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Image via “The Good Doctor” Facebook page.